Now Eating: Wild NYC

Above right picture courtesy of Daily Candy

Last week I went to the new restaurant in the West Village that I heard served gluten-free, dairy-free pizza on a vegan crust. I immediately called upon some friends to help me go test it out on Friday night. The restaurant Wild NYC was opened by Miki Agrawal, of Slice fame. Like Slice it supports local farms and promises ingredients harvested with respect to the primitive state. Even the beer and wine served is all from within the State of New York.


Usually when it comes to gluten-free, dairy-free pizza I can get a pie at an establishment like Keste but only on the less busy Monday night that will be a marinara pie with no additional toppings. It gets the job done but doesn't give me much wiggle room for options. At Wild, I was thoroughly impressed with the wide selection of choices I had. Although the menu does not state it, Wild offers dairy-free mozerella and homemade dairy-free ricotta for the dairy-free or vegan customer. If you so choose, the Artichoke Fennel, Sweet Capicola and Roasted Vegetable are all options that you can get that don't have any faux cheese on them either. Service staff was knowledgable and friendly with my questions regarding dairy-free options.

I couldn't resist the idea of a homemade dairy-free ricotta and eagerly ordered the Truffled Ricotta with black pepper and olive oil for. I ended up ordering a share portion for $26 and was a little disappointed when the tray came down to the table, since I was expecting a bigger pizza. I honestly think that I probably could've ate both pies. Maybe if each pie was 25-30% bigger it would have been more satisfying for what I was expecting? My friends who ordered a pizza with real dairy on it felt the same way.

As for the taste, the crust was very thin crust and almost cracker-like in some areas - not for those who like a pillow-y pie. The crust made with wild yeast had a good flavor that did not necessarily scream gluten-free.  The middle of the pie was what was delicious though. My first bite I hit some mozerella that tasted a lot like Daiya cheese, the next bite was what won me for taste. The faux ricotta cheese paired with sharp black pepper and the rich mouth filling flavor of truffle was a winner.

I also ordered a Ginger lemonade which was delicious. If you are a ginger fan, you'll love this drink. Ginger that has been finely shaved with a microplane grater is dispersed throughout the tart but perfectly sweetened lemonade.

I ended up splitting dessert and have to tell you that the dessert pizza for $12 is an absolute winner. It was by far my favorite thing that I tried. Fresh berries, ricotta on a warm crust dusted with icing sugar and mint leaves was delicious through and through. I would come back just to get this dessert because I almost felt like I was cheating eating dairy and gluten when logically I knew I wasn't. The pizza was about the same size as the dinner pizza, but since it was dessert, a larger pizza didn't seem necessary.

I also tried the flourless chocolate cake with berry compote which was rich and moist. My friend was disappointed that there was not chocolate lava, but the menu didn't promise lava cake. This dessert had a mild rice flour flavor that could be tasted over the chocolate. Definitely had a bit of a gluten-free taste. I enjoyed the cake as long as there was berry compote to dip it in, but it was nothing to write home about.

Overall, it was nice to go to a restaurant where I could feel normal again, pre eating intollerances. Having more than one option I can eat is pretty amazing. The quality of ingredients is high and everything tasted very fresh. However, the pizza portions are on the small side, your bill can add up quickly, even though at first glance prices seem reasonable, even without alcoholic drinks the total came up to about $33 per person for 1 pizza each, 1 beverage and shared dessert. A bit steep considering that our dining companions (the boys) ended up leaving hungry.

Wild NYC, 535 Hudson St, New York, New York. 212-929-2920

Eat: Family Recipe NY

Family Recipe is one of those adorable NYC restaurants that is far too good to stay a secret for long.  Located in the Lower East Side the gem of a restaurant was opened this past summer by Tokyo raised chef, Akiko Thurnauer, as a tribute to her food obsessed parents who introduced her to flavors from all over the world at an early age.  I was invited to a party to commemorate the launch of the Brunch Menu a couple weeks ago.

The wood paneling with slightly curved ceiling creates a warm cozy feeling of intimacy while the immaculate open kitchen at the long bar invites you to see the chefs busy at work carefully constructing dishes that are not by any means traditional Japanese but food that envelops you with a sense of familiarity and comfort.

I really had a chance to admire all of the intricacies that go into work in creating each dish and marvel at how effortlessly the chefs worked around each other.

I got to sample a bite of delicate skate on toast, home style curry rice, soft fluffy bao sandwiches and the signature drink the Bloody Geisha that is sure to wake you up with a hefty shot of wasabi flavor in a Bloody Mary-ish concoction.  It all left me wanting a bit more and curious for what else was on the menu.  Everything tasted incredibly fresh and a bit like home.  Or at least what home would taste like if your well travelled, hospitable, Japanese friend invited you over for dinner.  Think a future trip during regular hours is in order.  If you are stuck in a brunch rut, consider shaking up your routine and try out Family Recipe next weekend.

Family Recipe, 231 Eldridge Street, 212-529-3133

Now Eating NYC: Dos Toros Taqueria

I've actually meant to do this write up for a while but haven't been able to get around to it. I'd been curious about Dos Toros the newly opened Taqueria opened by two brothers from San Francisco and I finally had a chance to stop in a couple weeks ago.

The set up is actually a lot like Chipotle, with a line that moves through the efficient assembly line counter leading to a cash register. Although there was a bit of a line, especially considering it was a Monday night, it moved fairly quickly. The atmosphere inside with it's exposed brick walls, wood & pleather stools/benches felt very warm and welcoming. Actually, it's re-claimed wood used for the tables, chairs, bench, and wainscoting so I guess they had eco-friendly design in mind.

The eco-friendly spin continues to biodegradable utensils, cups, napkins, and bags. Composting and recycling of kitchen waste and the use of non-toxic cleaning products!

I had to go for the crispy taco as I was dining-in and I was curious what this would be like. They heated the corn tortillas on the grill so that they were crispy on the edges but still sort of soft and chewy. I like!

In terms of meat, didn't try the pork but did taste the chicken and the beef. Both meats were tender and flavorful but in the end the chicken was the winner as the beef was close but kind of chewy on the end. Chicken was perfect!

As for the guac, usually I'm used to flavorless mashed avocado that I'm not a fan of unless I make/tweak it myself (I've been known to tinker in restaurants!) , but this had enough limeyness and salt for me to approve! It's not as thick as I would like but the flavor is all there plus I think the 46 or 92 cents they charge for Guac is much more reasonable and what Guac should cost than Chipotle's $2.08.

I definitely plan on coming back for more soon! Truthfully living in NYC and Toronto previously I never had very many great Mexican cuisine options available, but I did have my mid-western friend for confirmation on the goods! She agreed that it was her favorite since moving to NYC.

Dos Toros Taqueria
137 4th Ave
(between 13th St & 14th St)

Now Eating: Arepa Arepa Brooklyn

Every year since my food awakening (sometime in college) I think that I've had a food of the year! A particular type of cuisine that is perfection for my palate. This year I think the food type would have to be Venezuelan. Not only is it delicious it's also very affordable.

Ever since I first went to Carachas in the East Village with Lani, I was in love with Arepas. The Venezualan staple which is almost like an English muffin made with corn and griddled with care then stuffed with loads of delicious ingredients. Carachas has this sweet and spicy hot sauce that is almost magical so after many repeated meals, I decided it was time to venture out and see what else was out there in the world of Arepa.
I went to Arepa Arepa in South Williamsburg on Friday night with Lani and our friend Jo and I had a great experience. Although Carachas has a special place in my heart, I fully appreciate the lightness, freshness and super relaxed ambiance of Arepa Arepa. It's not the biggest space but it's open and feels very comfortable. It was nice not to have to eat almost table to table with strangers. The owner was the only person I saw working but he was very friendly and managed to be surprisingly efficient.

Also, the side dishes are quite extraordinary. My fave being the Plantanos, sweet plantains that are fried to a crisp finish, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cheese. Contrasting salty sweet to perfection. I also tried the Platto of rice, black beans, plantains and avocado (we devoured it before realizing we didn't take a picture!). This dish has some of the same plantains served with black beans which I thought were okay, but the rice that came with this dish was absolutely amazing! I'm not quite sure what was in it but it was bursting with flavor (garlic was the only definite we could determine).
As for the arepas we tried the corn bread was thinner and crisper than Carachas providing for a much lighter feeling dining experience. Another significant difference is that Arepa Arepa offers fish options. I had the Pescado which is Tilapia, Tomatoes, Onions and Parsley. The flavors really complemented each other and the fish was delicate and moist. My companions had the Caroatas and the Champinones which they assure me were equally delicious. We also were given a salsa accompaniment that added an extra burst of goodness to every bite! We asked for more but could have asked for thirds...it's just that good!I also tried the 3 milk cake (cant' remember the name), it was decent but not my fave, next time I think I'd rather try the flan.

With Arepas mostly between $5-6 and sides for $3-4, this makes for a definite affordable meal. 3 girls eating to our hearts content ran us only about $30. Although a bit off the beaten path, I'll definitely make my way back to South B.Burg soon.

Arepa Arepa 160 Havemeyer St (b/n 2nd St & 3rd St) Brooklyn, NY. (718) 388-5797

Now Eating: Luke's Lobster

Lately all I hear has been buzz about Luke's Lobster the tiny Lobster Roll Resto that opened between the 2 Carachas at the beggining of the month. So I went last weekend and noticed a healthy line already formed at 12:30 but it moved fairly quickly. The staff is fairly efficient but not overly friendly.

Inside the decor is kitchy and seating is no nonsense, barebones stools with sparse wooden planks for tables. Maybe room for 8 to sit? Most people ordered their lunch to go so I didn't have a problem getting a seat.

I decided to go for the lunch special, Lobster Box, which was the popular choice at $18. It includes a soda chips, lobster roll and Empress crab claw. Apparently this is very well priced and half the price of other Lobster Rolls in the city thanks to the owner's family connection (his father own's a seafood manufacturing plant).

To be honest, I've never had a lobster roll before so I have nothing to compare it to. In fact before moving to NYC I had never heard of a lobster roll before in my life! Here's my rookie perspective.

The bread is thin and buttered and slightly toasted. It's like someone took a hotdog bun, skinned it and toasted it in a bit of butter. Inside, there was plenty of chunks of lobster meat that was super fresh tasting and lightly seasoned with salt and oregano. I was hoping the filling would be warm, but it was refrigerator cold. It is served with a light dab of mayo that was sort of globbed mostly on the bottom.

My crab claw was good but smaller than I expected and unfortunately also cold and pre-cooked.

I enjoyed my lunch and it filled me up. It is good in it's simplicity but it wasn't packed full of flavor like most of the food that I appreciate. It was something I've always wanted to try but I don't think I'll likely go back unless I have a major seafood craving (perhaps a once a year sort of deal?)

Luke's Lobster, 93 E 7th St at 1st Ave, (212) 387-8487

T Poutine: Fries, Cheese & Gravy in LES

Over the weekend, Erin and I ate at T Poutine. Poutine is a Canadian dish consisting of French fries, fresh white cheddar curds and gray and meant to be eaten as a meal. I've wanted to try poutine ever since I saw it at Pomme Frites in East Village, but never did since I'm a vegetarian. Enter T Poutine's Treehugger served with vegetarian gravy!
Mmm...! The Treehugger was served with sauteed mushrooms, peppers and onions. It was so tasty! All of the flavors were amazing. Our only complaint is that it wasn't hot enough! The veggies and cheese were cold. The dish should have been hot enough to melt the cheese; the fries were nice and crispy though. If our poutine was just a little hotter, it would have been absolute perfection.

The atmosphere was really nice. It was lounge-like with woodgrain, mirrors and sleek lighting. The place is very clean and well ventilated, so you won't leave smelling like fries. Do you know what I'm talking about or do I just sound crazy? I feel like so many restaurants in New York operate in such tiny spaces that your clothes end up smelling like food. Gross, but true.
Poutine makes for an affordable meal. Prices range from $6.75 to $9.50, and they have free delivery. Thank goodness I don't live in the neighborhood otherwise I'd get cardiac arrest from eating too much poutine.

T Poutine gets the Sugar Rock Catwalk stamp of approval, and that means something because Erin's Canadian and a poutine connoisseur!

T Poutine
168 Ludlow St
New York, NY 10002-1533
(646) 833-7441